A brutal hit in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers left Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage on the ground with his hands trembling.
Savage was allowed to return to the game for one series, then later ruled out with a concussion.
#Texans T.J. Yates is in at QB after Tom Savage went to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/dZal0yJTF1
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 10, 2017
Savage remained on the ground for several seconds after being hit by Elvis Dumervil on a third-down play, struggling to roll over to his side while his hands twitched. He was evaluated by team doctors, according to ESPN, but subsequently allowed to return to the game.
After throwing two incompletions on the ensuing drive, Savage was further evaluated and taken to the locker room. Backup quarterback T.J. Yates replaced Savage and finished out the half, leading the Texans on a nine-play, 75-yard scoring drive.
As he laid on the ground, Savage appeared to exhibit signs of a fencing response, which is generally characterized by the unnatural flexing or extension of the arms after impact to the head.
Savage's return to the game drew widespread criticism on social media from fans, media members and concussion experts like Chris Nowinski, the CEO and co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation.
"I would not let my worst enemy go through the 2017 NFL sideline concussion protocol," Nowinski, who has previously described the league's protocol as a "fraud," wrote on Twitter.
Disgusted that the @HoustonTexans allowed Tom Savage to return to the game after 2 plays after showing these horrifying #concussion signs (is that a seizure?) after a head impact. I would not let my worst enemy go through the 2017 #NFL sideline concussion protocol... https://t.co/PeJr5ISAIJ
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) December 10, 2017
In Week 17 last season, Savage was initially cleared to return to a game against the Tennessee Titans, but he was later diagnosed with a concussion and ruled out.
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.
PHOTOS: Best of NFL Week 14
Best of NFL Week 14
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Dallas Cowboys tight end James Hanna catches a pass against the New York Giants in the first half during a NFL football game at MetLife Stadium.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
Fans look on during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at New Era Field.
Rich Barnes, USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White dances on the field during a timeout in a snow storm against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter at New Era Field.
Rich Barnes, USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant runs for a touchdown against New York Giants defensive back Brandon Dixon during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears wide receiver Josh Bellamy runs against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback William Jackson during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium.
David Kohl, USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell catches a pass scoring a touchdown against Chicago Bears strong safety Deon Bush during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium.
David Kohl, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns defensive back Kai Nacua defends Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams as Adams goes for the pass during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson and wide receiver Josh Gordon pray after Johnson scored a touchdown during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins runs with the ball after a reception during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce misses a pass as Oakland Raiders middle linebacker NaVorro Bowman defends during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson runs the ball and is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, wide receiver Albert Wilson and running back Kareem Hunt celebrate after Hunt's touchdown during the first half again the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy runs past Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo in a snow storm during the first half at New Era Field.
Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison scores a touchdown against Dallas Cowboys strong safety Xavier Woods in the first half during a NFL football game at MetLife Stadium.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles cheers with the cheerleading team during the first quarter between the Houston Texans and the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium.
Shanna Lockwood, USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions defensive back defends a pass thrown to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans in the first half at Raymond James Stadium.
Jonathan Dyer, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon makes a touchdown reception under coverage by Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan and strong safety Morgan Burnett during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Scott Galvin, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon celebrates his touchdown reception against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Scott Galvin, USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman fumbles the ball after a hit by Dallas Cowboys safety Jeff Heath during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce reaches for a pass as Oakland Raiders linebacker NaVorro Bowman defends in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns defensive end Nate Orchard celebrates a sack during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns defensive end Nate Orchard sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Hundley during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams catches a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Alex Erickson makes a catch and is tackled by Chicago Bears free safety Eddie Jackson in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium.
Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon in the backfield in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Jeremy Brevard, USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph catches a pass for a touchdown against Carolina Panthers strong safety Mike Adams in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Jeremy Brevard, USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon runs with the ball defended by Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Jeremy Brevard, USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore runs with the ball past Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes during the first quarter at New Era Field.
Rich Barnes, USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2017; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Rich Barnes, Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Chris Conte in the first half at Raymond James Stadium.
Jonathan Dyer, USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones celebrates after sacking Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron stiff arms Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Robert McClain during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing and strong safety Marcus Gilchrist tackle San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde during the first quarter at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports
A young fan waves to Houston Texans players before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage is tackled by San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams during the first quarter at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart falls backwards into the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins makes a catch during warmups before the game against the Green Bay Packers at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Scott Galvin, USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of America Stadium.
Jeremy Brevard, USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell kneels on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Paul Brown Stadium.
Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills fans sit in the stands before watching a game against the Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field.
Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Sports
The Panthers statues decorated for Christmas at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
Stadium personnel shovels off seats at New Era Field before a game between the Buffalo Bills and the Indianapolis Colts.
Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Sports
Falcons linebacker Deion Jones intercepts a pass late in the fourth quarter against the Saints.
Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports
Saints safety Marcus Williams intercepts a pass intended for Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones.
Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports
Falcons linebacker Deion Jones intercepts a pass in front of Saints tight end Josh Hill.
Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports
Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis dives in for a touchdown while being hit by Falcons linebacker De'Vondre Campbell.
Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports
Falcons running back Devonta Freeman jumps into the stands with the fans to celebrate a touchdown.
Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports
Saints head coach Sean Payton shows emotion against the Atlanta Falcons.
Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports
Saints place kicker Wil Lutz trips Falcons cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson after an extra point.
Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports
Falcons running back Tevin Coleman runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints.
Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports
Saints wide receiver Brandon Coleman is tackled by Falcons safety Ricardo Allen.
Jason Getz, USA TODAY Sports
Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones stiff arms Saints safety Marcus Williams.
Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports
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1 of 52![Fans look on during the game between the Indianapolis]()
2 of 52![Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White dances on]()
3 of 52![Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant runs for a]()
4 of 52![Chicago Bears wide receiver Josh Bellamy runs against]()
5 of 52![Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell catches]()
6 of 52![Cleveland Browns defensive back Kai Nacua defends Green]()
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11 of 52![Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, wide]()
12 of 52![Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy runs past Indianapolis]()
13 of 52![New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison scores a touchdown]()
14 of 52![Olympic gymnast Simone Biles cheers with the cheerleading]()
15 of 52![Detroit Lions defensive back defends a pass thrown]()
16 of 52![Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon makes a]()
17 of 52![Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon celebrates]()
18 of 52![New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman fumbles]()
19 of 52![Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce reaches for]()
20 of 52![Cleveland Browns defensive end Nate Orchard celebrates]()
21 of 52![Cleveland Browns defensive end Nate Orchard sacks Green]()
22 of 52![Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams catches]()
23 of 52![Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Alex Erickson makes]()
24 of 52![Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison tackles]()
25 of 52![Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph catches a]()
26 of 52![Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon runs]()
27 of 52![Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore runs with]()
28 of 52![Dec 10, 2017; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills]()
29 of 52![Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick runs past Tampa]()
30 of 52![Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones celebrates]()
31 of 52![Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron stiff arms Tampa]()
32 of 52![Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing and]()
33 of 52![A young fan waves to Houston Texans players before]()
34 of 52![Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage is tackled by]()
35 of 52![Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart falls]()
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37 of 52![Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly warms]()
38 of 52![Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell kneels]()
39 of 52![Buffalo Bills fans sit in the stands before watching]()
40 of 52![The Panthers statues decorated for Christmas at Bank]()
41 of 52![Stadium personnel shovels off seats at New Era Field]()
42 of 52![Falcons linebacker Deion Jones intercepts a pass late]()
43 of 52![Saints safety Marcus Williams intercepts a pass intended]()
44 of 52![Falcons linebacker Deion Jones intercepts a pass in]()
45 of 52![Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis dives in for a]()
46 of 52![Falcons running back Devonta Freeman jumps into the]()
47 of 52![Saints head coach Sean Payton shows emotion against]()
48 of 52![Saints place kicker Wil Lutz trips Falcons cornerback]()
49 of 52![Falcons running back Tevin Coleman runs the ball against]()
50 of 52![Saints wide receiver Brandon Coleman is tackled by]()
51 of 52![Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones stiff arms Saints]()
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